Ask the KeyWin team a question
What would you like to know about getting your business online? The most useful questions are answered on this website and in our short videos.
The short answer
- Creating the profile takes about 15 to 30 minutes, and it is free.
- Verification depends on the method Google gives you. Phone, text or email codes can be quick. Video checks can take several days, and a postcard can take longer.
- Appearing in searches happens in stages. Searches for your business name usually come first. Searches like “web design near me” can take weeks or months, and there is no fixed timescale.
What happened when we set up ours
- Day 1: We created the profile as a service business (address hidden, service areas listed) and recorded the short verification video Google asked for.
- The next few days: The profile showed “Processing”. Google’s own message said it could take up to five days.
- About four days later: The profile was verified. A search for our business name showed our profile panel with our phone number and opening hours.
- The same day: Our edits, photos and first post showed as “Pending” while Google reviewed them. Google said edits usually take up to 10 minutes to review.
- Still to come: showing in searches that do not use our name. That builds up over time.
Every business is different. Google chooses the verification method and does not publish fixed times for everything, so your experience may be faster or slower.
The stages, in order
- Created: only you can see it.
- Verification in progress: Google checks that the business is real.
- Verified: your profile can appear on Google Search and Maps.
- Showing for your name: people who search for your business can find it.
- Showing for your services: people searching for what you do, near them, can find you. This is the slow part.
What helps your profile appear sooner
- Complete every section: category, services with short descriptions, hours, phone, website and a clear description.
- Use the same details everywhere: your business name, phone number and website should match on your website, social pages and directories.
- Add real photos of your work, and keep adding them.
- Post updates every week or two.
- Ask real customers for reviews after a job, and reply to every review. Our reviews guide explains the honest way.
- Do not keep changing your name or address while Google is checking. Changes can start the checks again.
What slows it down
- Missing or mismatched details.
- Adding keywords to your business name, such as “KeyWin Digital Marketing Aylesbury”. It breaks Google’s rules and can get a profile suspended.
- Using a PO box as your address. Google does not allow it.
Common questions
Does a Google Business Profile cost anything?
No. Creating, verifying and running a profile is free. You only pay if you choose to run adverts or hire someone to help.
Can I hide my home address?
Yes. If you visit customers or work online, choose a service business. Your address stays private, and Google shows the areas you serve instead.
My profile is verified. Why can I not find it?
Try searching for your exact business name and town. New profiles often show for the business name first. Searches for your services can take much longer.
Why does Google say my edits are pending?
Google reviews changes before they appear. Most are approved quickly, but some take longer.
At KeyWin we set up and look after Google Business Profiles for businesses. Our free checklist covers the other steps that help customers find you.
Want help with this?
Tell us where your business is today and what you would like to achieve. We will reply within 24 hours and tell you honestly whether we can help.